Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate, whose group was among the many voices calling for business-friendly tax relief measures to make the state a more attractive hub, warned of a potent “one-two” punch.

“It’s concerning when you see that increased decline in higher-income folks, because that is a key part of our economy. How do we make sure that we are competitive for those folks to stay here?” he said. “And at the same time, what you absolutely don’t want is higher-income folks leaving because they don’t want to be here, and lower-income folks can’t afford to be here, either.”